News from the Library of Congress

September 30, 2010

Library’s Packard Campus Announces October Film Series

Silent films and horror classics take center stage at the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation’s free film festival in Culpeper, Va., in October. The film series lineup will include movies starring such notables as Sean Connery, John Wayne, Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, Angela Lansbury, Gene Wilder and Buster Keaton.

The Packard Campus will also showcase movies from the Library of Congress National Film Registry. Films named to the registry have been selected for preservation because they are "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant. For more information on the National Film Registry, visit www.loc.gov/film/filmnfr.html.

October’s film series will include two new features. The Packard Campus will introduce the addition of the mighty Wurlitzer theater organ to its silent film screenings. In addition, lost British television treasures recently discovered in the Library’s collections will be showcased. This month’s series will include the 1960 production of "Colombe," starring a young Sean Connery, who wooed movies audiences as James Bond two years later.

Programs are preceded by an informative slide presentation about the film, with music selected by the Library’s Recorded Sound Section. Some screenings will also include short subjects before the main feature. Titles are subject to change without notice.

All Packard Campus programs are free and open to the public, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For reservation information, call (540) 827-1079 extension 79994 or (202) 707-9994 during business hours, beginning one week before any given screening. Reservations will be held until 10 minutes before showtime. For further information on the theater and film series, visit www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/.

The Packard Campus is a state-of-the-art facility where the nation’s library acquires, preserves and provides access to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of films, television programs, radio broadcasts and sound recordings.

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. It seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many of the Library’s rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov and via interactive exhibitions on a personalized website at myLOC.gov.

Series Schedule

Friday, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m.Library of Congress Discovers Lost British TV Treasures"BBC Sunday Night Play: Colombe" (BBC-TV, 1960)This is one of the 68 vintage British television programs recently found in the Library of Congress’ Moving Image Section and repatriated to the United Kingdom. Based on the original Broadway production of the play "Mademoiselle Colombe" by Jean Anouilh, this "BBC Sunday Night Play" was directed by Naomi Capon and stars Sean Connery and Dorothy Tutin.

Saturday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m."Sons of the Desert" (Hal Roach-MGM, 1933)When Stan and Ollie trick their wives into thinking that they are taking a medical cruise while they are actually going to a convention, the wives find out the truth the hard way. Directed by William A. Seiter, this classic comedy stars Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy and Charley Chase. Also featured is "Maids ala Mode" (Hal Roach, 1933), a comedy short starring Zasu Pitts and Thelma Todd.

Thursday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. "The Big Trail" (Fox, 1930)John Wayne plays Breck Coleman, a scout who leads hundreds of settlers in covered wagons from the Mississippi River to their destiny out West. Named to the National Film Registry in 2006, this Western adventure was directed by Raoul Walsh and stars Marguerite Churchill and El Brendel.

Friday, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m."The Man Who Laughs" (Universal, 1928)This silent horror-melodrama, based on the novel by Victor Hugo, will feature an accompaniment by Andrew Simpson on the mighty Wurlitzer theater organ. Conrad Veidt portrays Gwynplaine, son of Lord Clancharlie, who has a permanent smile carved on his face by the King in revenge for his father's treachery. The film was directed by Paul Leni and the cast includes Mary Philbin.

Saturday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m."Seven Chances" (Metro, 1925)Buster Keaton directed and stars in this comedy about a man who learns he will inherit a fortune if he marries in less than 24 hours. This silent film will feature live musical accompaniment by Andrew Simpson on the Wurlitzer theater organ. The comedy short "Rivals" (Arrow, 1925), starring Billy West and Oliver Hardy, will also be featured at the screening.

Thursday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m."My Favorite Wife" (RKO, 1940)Cary Grant and Irene Dunne star in this romantic comedy about a shipwrecked woman who is rescued just in time for her husband's re-marriage. The fim was directed by Garson Kanin. A 1940 cartoon-and-comedy short from Warner Bros. is also featured.

Friday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m."Eyes Without a Face" (Lux, 1960)A surgeon steals young women's faces, hoping to heal his daughter's scars in this French horror film with English subtitles. Directed by Georges Franju, the film stars Pierre Brasseur. The movie is intended for mature audiences.

Saturday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m."Bedknobs and Broomsticks" (Walt Disney, 1971)In this Disney fantasy musical, an apprentice witch and three war orphans try to prevent the Nazi invasion of England. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the film stars Angela Lansbury and Roddy McDowell.

Thursday, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m."The Time of Their Lives" (Universal, 1946)Bud Abbott and Lou Costello play ghosts from the Revolutionary War who haunt a house until they can clear their names of treason charges. The film was directed by Charles Barton. The screening also featured two 1946 Warner Bros. shorts.

Friday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m."Night of the Living Dead" (Continental Distributing, 1968)Radiation from a fallen satellite causes the recently deceased to rise from the grave and seek the living to use as food. This independent horror classic was selected for the National Film Registry in 1999. Directed by George Romero, it stars Duane Jones and Ken Hardman. The film is intended for mature audiences.

Saturday, Oct. 30, 2 p.m."Young Frankenstein" (20th Century-Fox, 1974)Director Mel Brooks revisits the Frankenstein legend in this comedy satire. Dr. Frankenstein's grandson, after years of living down the family reputation, inherits granddad's castle and repeats his experiments. With Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman and Teri Garr, the film was named to the National Film Registry in 2003.